About Public Classes

About Yoga and Functional Movement with Margaret

I call my classes "yoga and functional movement" because they are different than traditional yoga classes, classes incorporate information and movement gleaned from my work as a Physical Therapist. Each of my classes is informed by my ongoing study and practice of yoga, anatomy, self reflection, physiology, being outside, kinesiology, philosophy, and the natural sciences. My teaching method is the product of my own experiences and is dedicated to an exploration of how yoga and movementcan most effectively be used to benefit our every day lives. Diverse, functional movement is unparalleled in its ability to reduce stress, relieve pain, build strength and flexibility, improve balance, promote overall health, and deepen our relationship to ourselves. Come get some!

FAQ

What should I bring to class?

- yoga mat (if you have your own, bring it, if not I have some to borrow)

- block and strap (again, I have some you can borrow)

- loose fitting or stretchy, breathable, athletic-type clothing (if you want to wear shorts make sure they are long and/or fit snugly around the legs)... pajama pants are preferable to blue jeans, your clothes have to be at least a little more flexible than you are : )

- a couple of layers of clothing (often the room is cool when class starts but you will warm up when we get moving)

- water

What is a good yoga mat to buy?

HERE ARE MY RECOMMENDATIONS: Best but Pricey ($95-$105) - Manduka Black Mat PRO - It's grippy, gives good support (nice for wood floors) without being mushy, it is virtually indestructible and will last a long long time. Downsides: not made out of sustainable materials, heavy

Do NOT Buy: Lululemon or Hugger Mugger biodegradable mats. Why? They biodegrade all over you as you use them

What is Om?

Om (pronounced “Aum”) is not a word in the proper sense of the term as it does not mean any one thing in particular, it is what is called a “seed sound”, a bija mantra (in sanskrit), a purely sensory (rather than intellectual or meaning-based) sound experience. Mythically, Om is often described as signifying the vibrational nature of the universe we live in, the primordial, trembling sound made by the continuous creative, sustaining and dissolving activities of the natural world. It is alternately described as the sound the universe makes, if you could actually hear everything all at once. I like to sing this sound at the beginning and end of class as a simple means of connecting as a group, helping us focus our attention, and as a classic exercise in Pavlovian conditioning (i.e. if a particular sound, like Om, becomes associated in your brain with all of the good stuff you feel in your body/mind when you are in yoga class, your body/mind will enter said happy state more easily and quickly upon hearing it - basic psychology).

Can You suggests any books on yoga?

Home Practice: The Practice Guide 2 by Bruce Bowditch (Lots of great sequences with pictures showing every pose.)

Yoga for Osteoporosis by Loren Fishman and Ellen Saltonstall (Excellent resource for all students, especially those over 50)

Yoga for Arthritis by Loren Fishman and Ellen Saltonstall

Anatomy:The Anatomy Coloring Book (Excellent for learning locations/names of muscles bones and other anatomical structures)